Motorcycle blousons put to the test

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Motorcycle blousons put to the test
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Station wagons, jackets & pants

Motorcycle blousons put to the test

Product test: motorcycle blousons
15 casual motorcycle jackets tested

Content of

Those who move around the city tend not to throw themselves into the station wagon. The problem: You don’t want to be completely without protection, but on the other hand you don’t want to be noticed as a two-wheeler from afar. 15 blousons from 150 to 300 euros show ways out of the dilemma.

Stefan luck

08/23/2011

While Mario Simmel was occasionally able to do without caviar, the pragmatic biker comes to the conclusion that it doesn’t always have to be Kevlar or leather. Because, between us, as undoubtedly a complete protective clothing makes sense on the committed drive or even on the Kringel, it is so uncomfortable and out of place when strolling through town or on a short trip to the ice cream parlor. And since the motorcycle is not used as a piece of sports equipment, but rather as a simple means of transport, one is suddenly faced with a problem that is not unknown to women: I don’t even know what to wear!

In order to manage the balancing act between acceptable protective clothing, civilian look and comfort on the way to the ice cream parlor, strolling through town, to the Italian restaurant or anywhere else, PS 15 asked so-called sports jackets in the price range between 150 and 300 euros for a test. When ordering the test samples, it was explicitly stated that these should be retrofitted accordingly, unless they were provided with elbow, shoulder and back protectors from the factory. Elbow and shoulder protectors were available for all test subjects, the position of the back was a little more confusing. And now is the time to clear up a major misunderstanding:

A protector may call itself a protector if it has a test seal from which its technical data can be found. This shows for what purpose, which installation position and size it is suitable and according to which standard it has been tested. Otherwise, it’s a spinal warmer at best. Alpinestars made use of the option of retrofitting, Louis and Spidi Use, and included certified bumpers. The other providers trusted what was in the bag from the confectioner. This is mostly a foam or sponge rubber part with the protective effect NULLKOMMANULL.

Would you like a little example? While the protectors did not have a value above 20 kN when the test weight was impacted from a height of one meter, a foam rubber inlet used for comparison came to a tight 28.7 kN at a height of 15 centimeters (!!) and was then broken. That means, if it is not clear what is in the back pocket, ask, if in doubt, unpack. The shoulder and elbow protectors were not a problem, all test samples had tested bumpers in the corresponding pockets.

All test samples were ordered in size 52, so the differences were all the more astonishing. The Spidi jacket was almost short-sleeved and navel-free, while the models from Alpinestars or KTM but sat rather airy. Anyone who buys in the shop has no problem, they simply grab the next size. The shipping customer, on the other hand, has to send it back and wait if it doesn’t fit.

Assessing the fit is generally a tricky subject, as everyone is built differently. The author, for example, has obviously above-average long arms, which is why many sleeves appear a bit short to him, while the length and circumference of the torso conveniently conform to the said size. For the sake of comparability and despite the temperatures, all blousons were worn in full regalia, that is, with an inner lining and possibly an existing membrane. An Aprilia RSV4 was always driven on the same 20-kilometer lap with narrow and wide country roads and an unlimited stretch of the motorway. The critic may object that the inner lining negatively affects the effect of any ventilation that may be present, but the tendency to flutter or non-flutter at high speeds and, above all, the fit benefit to the same extent.

And there is a reason for this: A protector can only develop its effect if it remains in the intended place in the event of a fall. That is why it is important to fix the jacket in place. Since a tight cut alone is not enough, you have to help. Usually this is done with continuously adjustable Velcro straps or snaps. The advantage of the Velcro tape is the infinitely variable adjustment option, while the push button scores in terms of durability.

To prevent the jacket from sliding up, many models have connecting zips. Usually one side is on the jacket, the second, matching side can be found on the pants from the same supplier. Some providers think further and deliver the complete zipper. The second part can then be sewn onto your own trousers. Spidi, for example, thinks even more practical: In addition to the zipper, there is an eyelet with a press stud that can easily be threaded into a belt loop on the trousers.

Since water from above has to be expected from time to time in our latitudes, all jackets are provided with waterproof membranes, the function of which has not been checked. But we know from practice that a tightly fitting collar is just as important for a dry arrival, because if the liquid runs in from above, then even the best membrane is no longer of any use.

In this regard, the test subjects from Dane, Hein Gericke, Held, IXS, KTM and Louis Streetfighter do not look so good, although the latter at least promises a dry arrival of the contents thanks to waterproof inlays in the outer pockets. Many pockets are good, but with a tight fit they can hardly be filled properly without pressing. But there is always enough space for the wallet to be able to pay for the coppi di gelato. And if the subsequent stroll through town turns into a bargain hunt, caviar still doesn’t help, but rather the credit card and the largest possible backpack help you through the day.


Motorcycle blousons put to the test


MPS studio

Alpinestars Cologne Drystar.

Contact  Alpinestars S.p.A., 31011 Asolo (TV), Italy
Tel. 00 39/04 23 52 86
www.alpinestars.com

price  279.95 euros
material  polyester
Sizes  S to XXXL
Protectors  E, S *

Conclusion 
In terms of cut, the Drystar is more of a uniform jacket than a blouson. The high collar protects against drafts, the sleeves could be a bit longer. Nice feel and good workmanship, but fiddly main zipper. The level 1 back protector costs 39.95 euros extra and, like the other protectors, remains loosely within the norm in terms of residual strength values. Your arms flutter on the autobahn, the ventilation is barely noticeable. High wearing comfort thanks to the airy cut. Bad: All pockets, outside and inside, are only secured with Velcro fasteners.

PS judgment: good (test winner)


Motorcycle blousons put to the test


MPS studio

Buse Nardo.

Contact  Heino Buse MX Import GmbH, 52159 Roetgen, Germany
Tel. 0 24 71/1 26 90
www.buese.com

price  239.95 euros
material  polyester
Sizes  48 to 62
Protectors  E, S *

Conclusion 
Very comfortable cut, fits well, but not too tight, long sleeves. The ventilation is barely noticeable, but it pulls slightly in the neck. No fluttering, no inflating at high speeds. Zips are easy to grip thanks to the straps on the zippers, but mostly stiff. Protectors with consistently good shock absorption values. Good workmanship and pleasant feel, especially the inner lining. Slightly unpleasant plastic odor. The width of the arms is adjusted with sturdy press studs, the waist with Velcro straps.

PS judgment: Good


Motorcycle blousons put to the test


MPS studio

Dane Strandby.

Contact  MotoPort sales 26316 Varel
Tel. 0 44 51/91 55 00
www.motorport.de

price  169 euros
material  polyester
Sizes  48 to 60
Protectors  E, S *

Conclusion 
As the name suggests, the Strandby is a pure summer jacket. Even with the lining, which is available for an additional charge of 69 euros, the jacket looks very soft and unstable. There is no trust in the protective effect, despite protectors. On the other hand, thanks to the air-permeable fabric, the indoor climate is very pleasant, at least in the heat. But woe the sun is disappearing. It is clearly the most blouson and the least motorcycle jacket in the entire test field. Nevertheless, there are two connection zips and a clip for the belt loop.

PS judgment: satisfying

Difi Tallinn Aerotex


Motorcycle blousons put to the test


MPS studio


Motorcycle blousons put to the test


MPS studio

Difi Tallinn Aerotex.

Contact  MotoPort sales
26316 Varel
Tel. 0 44 51/91 55 00
www.motorport.de

price  229.95 euros
material  polyester
Sizes  S to XXXL
Protectors  E, S *

Conclusion 
The Tallinn should also be ordered one size larger, because it is very small. The sleeves are short, but cut relatively wide. A back protector can be retrofitted, the existing protectors are in the middle with their values. With side stretch and elastic at the waist, the jacket can be adapted to the wearer. A circumferential zip for the inner jacket as well as a long connecting zip and closable ventilation slots on the shoulder and back complete the features. Three outside and one inside pocket offer storage space.

PS judgment: Good


Motorcycle blousons put to the test


MPS studio

Hein Gericke PSX Race Tex.

Contact  Hein Gericke Germany GmbH
40589 Dusseldorf
Tel. 02 11/9 89 89
www.hein-gericke.de

price  169.95 euros
material  Cowhide
Sizes  S to XXL
Protectors  E, S *

Conclusion 
For an extra charge of 19.95 euros, the PSX jacket is also available with a back protector. All protectors are in the top group. But the waist is high, the collar is cut low and the arms are very short. This at least provides for the ventilation of the throat and kidneys. The zips of the outer pockets open the ventilation at the same time. This means that only the two inner pockets remain for transport goods in summer. There is a long connection zip and additional, martial-looking outer protectors on the shoulders. Workmanship and seams are fine.

PS judgment: Good


Motorcycle blousons put to the test


MPS studio

Hero Faith.

Contact  Held GmbH
87545 Castle Hill
Tel. 0 83 21/6 64 60
www.held.de

price  189.95 euros
material  Polyurethane
Sizes  XS to XXXL
Protectors  E, S *

Conclusion 
The Faith has a total of 6 pockets, 3 each in the outer jacket and 3 in the inner vest. Like the jacket itself, however, these are quite small. The ventilation works well, the fabric is pleasant to the touch. A back protector can be retrofitted, the counterparts on the shoulder and elbow end up in the back field. The rest of the equipment is impressive: width adjustment with Velcro straps on the arm and waist, additional mobile phone pocket, long connection zip, collar with neoprene trim, continuous zip for the inner vest.

PS judgment: Good


Motorcycle blousons put to the test


MPS studio

IXS Akasha.

Contact  Hostettler GmbH,
79379 Muellheim / Baden
Tel. 0 76 31/18 04 0
www.ixs.com

price  259.90 euros
material  Polyoxford
Sizes  XS to XXXXL
Protectors  E, S *

Conclusion 
The Akasha blouson is very small, which is bad for freedom of movement and good for a flutter-free fit. The ventilation through zips in the armpit area is barely noticeable. Shoulder and elbow protectors can be found in the front midfield. In the huge back pocket, a foam rubber mat simulates security, and even certified protection cannot be stowed there in such a way that it cannot slip. The rest of the material and the workmanship are good. Two Velcro strips on the collar strive to ensure a tension-free fit. Not always successful.

PS judgment: satisfying


Motorcycle blousons put to the test


MPS studio

Kawasaki Mid Season.

Contact  Kawasaki dealer network
Tel. 0 61 72/7 34 0
www.kawasaki.de

price  169.90 euros
material  polyester
Sizes  XS to XXXXXL
Protectors  E, S, K *

Conclusion 
It is paradoxical when the jacket of the green, whose main component is black, bears the color name white. However, that is not a reason to see red, rather the unhealthy plastic smell. The values ​​for shoulder and elbow protectors are in the midfield, while the average for back protection is just above what is allowed. From around 130 km / h the jacket inflates and begins to flutter, even at slower speeds it is airy. The sleeves are cut long and wide, the inner jacket is of the sticky type.

PS judgment: satisfying


Motorcycle blousons put to the test


MPS studio

KTM Street EVO 12.

Contact  KTM Sportmotorcycle AG 5230 Mattighofen, Austria
Tel. 00 43/77 42/60 00-0,
www.ktm.at

price  237 euros
material  polyamide
Sizes  M to XXL
Protectors  E, S *

Conclusion 
The bodice from Austria is cut quite wide and feels plastic. From around 100 km / h the jacket literally inflates, you feel as if you are wearing a whole-body blood pressure cuff. You have to like that. Ventilation is not noticeable. The back protector is available for 19.73 euros, its damping values ​​are in the top field, while shoulder and elbow protectors are the respective bottom lights.
The EVO 12 has two outside and three inside pockets as well as a connection zip with a clip for the belt buckle.

PS judgment: satisfying


Motorcycle blousons put to the test


MPS studio

Louis Probiker PR-10.

Contact  Detlev Louis
21027 Hamburg
Tel. 0 40/73 41 93 60
www.louis.de

price  199.95 euros
material  Polyamide, cowhide
Sizes  40 to 58
Protectors  E, S *

Conclusion 
For just under 200 euros, the Probiker PR-10 quite a bit: additional leather trimmings in places where there is a risk of falling, two outside pockets with waterproof covers, a cell phone pocket inside and tight neck and arm cuffs. The back protector costs 17.95 euros extra. The shock absorption values ​​of all absorbers are among the best. You can overlook the fact that putting it on is a bit fiddly (zip, Velcro, zip, Velcro), the inner lining likes to stick to the skin and the ventilation is rather sparse despite the huge openings.

PS judgment: Good


Motorcycle blousons put to the test


MPS studio

Louis Streetfighter.

Contact  Detlev Louis
21027 Hamburg
Tel. 0 40/73 41 93 60
www.louis.de

price  219.95 euros
material  polyester
Sizes  48 to 58
Protectors  E, S *

Conclusion 
The equipment of the Streetfighter is manageable. The waist is cut short, the sleeves long and not too tight. The brutal look is a matter of taste, but none of the testers liked the street fighters’ bad habit of literally sucking themselves into their bodies at speeds of 60 km / h or more. But you now know how shrink-wrapped and vacuum-packed food must feel. As with the Probiker PR-10, there is an effective back protector for 17.95 euros. The Streetfighter has two tiny ventilation openings, but no effect can be felt. Very plastic feel.

PS judgment: satisfying


Motorcycle blousons put to the test


MPS studio

Polo FLM T 16.

Contact  Polo express delivery 41353 Juchen
Tel. 0 21 65/8 44 02 00
www.polo-motorrad.de

price  219.95 euros
material  Cordura
Sizes  S to XXXL (depending on color)
Protectors  E, S *

Conclusion 
The T 16 is available in four colors (red, blue, gray, green), but not every color in every size, so be careful. A back protector can be retrofitted. The jacket is cut tight. With the inner lining installed, you can no longer reach the inner pocket, the two outer pockets are small. The ventilation is convincing and thanks to a total of six zips it can also be regulated. An elastic band at the waist ensures a perfect fit, but cannot prevent it from sliding up, so there are two connection zips. The inner jacket looks sticky.

PS judgment: satisfying


Motorcycle blousons put to the test


MPS studio

Spidi symbol.

Contact  SHARK helmets
Deutschland GmbH, 21224 Rosengarten, Tel. 0 41 08/4 58 00-0
www.spidi.com

price  329 euros
material  Cordura
Sizes  M to XL
Protectors  E, S *

Conclusion 
The jacket is very small. This means that it is very close, but does not flutter and the protectors do not slip in an emergency, but the freedom of movement suffers. The back protection costs 54.90 euros and convinces with good shock absorption values. The two outer pockets are quite small, there is only one more pocket inside. You won’t find any additional ventilation, but there is a connection zip and a clip for the belt eyelet, as is the case with Suzuki. The appearance of the material and the workmanship are impressive.

PS judgment: satisfying


Motorcycle blousons put to the test


MPS studio

Suzuki Mash.

Contact  Suzuki dealer network
Tel. 0 62 51/5 70 00
www.suzuki.de

price  199.95 euros
material  polyester
Sizes  XS to M
Protectors  E, S, R *

Conclusion 
The Mash jacket is well ventilated through a special fabric. According to the brochure, the jacket should still warm in the cold. The cut is tight, despite the long back, the mash slides up when driving fast and exposes the kidneys. The protectors are in the front with their damping values. Two outside and three inside pockets offer storage space. The back protector is very bulky and the feel is quite plastinous. The equipment is good, but some of the seams look pretty rough. For that the price is low.

PS judgment: satisfying


Motorcycle blousons put to the test


MPS studio

Yamaha Iwata.

Contact  Yamaha dealer network
Tel. 0 21 31/2 01 30
www.yamaha-motor.de

price  188 euros
material  65% PA, 35% PES
Sizes  S to XXL
Protectors  E, S *

Conclusion 
The Iwata, which is only available in black, is a pure summer jacket because of its ventilation that cannot be switched off. Good cut with long sleeves and great freedom of movement. Noble optics, good workmanship. The sleeves are long enough and close-fitting, but the very tight waistband makes it difficult to take them off. No tendency to flutter even at high speeds. Tight collar. Shoulder and elbow protectors just about meet the impact test values, but nothing more. There is a huge pocket for a back protector. The question remains how this should be fixed?

PS judgment: Good

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